CM Revanth Reddy visits Seunderabad Buddha Vihar, assures to support Buddhists
Secunderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy who was chief guest of the Buddha punnami celebrations expressed happiness over being part of the celebration and assured to support the Buddhists on Thursday. Buddha punnami, a significant Buddhist festival celebrated across Asia was also celebrated at Maha Buddha Vihar in Mahendra Hills Secunderabad, a prominent place of worship for Buddists in the city.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Revanth Reddy said, “Visiting the Buddha vihar gave an immense pleasure with spiritual touch. At the age of 29, Buddha started preaching Peace by relinquishing power and Kingdom. Buddha’s doctrine is alive in the last 2500 years. I am much inspired by the preaching of, ‘do every work like meditation’ which has a lot of influence. Big worrying factor is Intolerance and jealousy are growing in society. Differences and emotions are dominating.”
He further added that at present our country needs to follow Buddha’s message. “As an individual and also on behalf of the government, I will extend help to spread the message of Buddha to everyone in the society. Government will sanction special funds from the Special Development Fund to build a spiritual Centre (Dhyana Mandir). I request to run a school. This government is yours. All kinds of assistance and cooperation will be extended. Telangana is respecting Buddhist Monks,” said CM Revanth Reddy addressing the Buddhist followers.
What is Buddha Purnima?
According to the Bhikkhu Sangha of Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara, Secunderabad, “Buddha Punnami is a thrice blessed day: The day commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born (623 BCE), who later became the Gautama Buddha, the day on which he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha; the day on which day he attained Maha Parinibbana (543 BCE).”
The festival is marked by various rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the deep reverence for the Buddha’s teachings and his contributions to spiritual life. During the celebrations two books Samyutta Nikaya volume 4 translated by Bhikkhu Dhammarakkhitra and Astanga Margam translated by Bhikkhu Siddhartha and T Sita Rami reddy were released.